4, 1, 8, 2, 5, 5 are their goals given up the past 6 games (25 goals allowed), they have lost 3 of 4 when they had the conference to play for, Fleury is struggling, the defense looks lost, Malkin is lazy again, they seem to have no idea what they are doing on offense due to constant line juggling, their powerplay is totally useless, and they will be heading into Philly for Game 1 in Round 1 on April 11th.

Henry Hank wrote:I don't really think it's panic. There's a different between panic and point out legitimate concerns. The last time they went into the playoffs like this, the 2010 playoffs happened. The way they go into the playoffs does have some bearing on how the playoffs are going to go, and especially since they're headed to a tough match-up against Philly, there should be some concern that the team is going in the wrong direction as the season is coming to a close. I think a bit of a let down was inevitable coming off a big winning streak plus the disruption of Sid coming back, but to me tonight takes it a little farther than just a small set back.

I see your point, but this team has been rolling the second half of the season. The 2010 team never could really get it together. Most of the comments right now are way over the top.

Everyone take a deep breath and realize you will feel completely different about this team if they play well tomorrow.

Everything can change in a heartbeat. Hell, they could win out for all we know. Enough with the negativity! A week ago we all were wondering when, NOT IF, the Pens would catch the Rangers. All this means is that the Pens have to bring it every night now if they want to win. Even with all the talent they have.

Henry Hank wrote:I don't really think it's panic. There's a different between panic and point out legitimate concerns. The last time they went into the playoffs like this, the 2010 playoffs happened. The way they go into the playoffs does have some bearing on how the playoffs are going to go, and especially since they're headed to a tough match-up against Philly, there should be some concern that the team is going in the wrong direction as the season is coming to a close. I think a bit of a let down was inevitable coming off a big winning streak plus the disruption of Sid coming back, but to me tonight takes it a little farther than just a small set back.

Man, just reading this post has me so worried compared with where we were a week ago.

The team has had a penchant for playing down to the level of their opponent throughout most of the season. I'm pretty confident that they'll "show up" for the tougher opponents they face through the remainder of the season, just as they have done for most of the season.

Henry Hank wrote:I don't really think it's panic. There's a different between panic and point out legitimate concerns. The last time they went into the playoffs like this, the 2010 playoffs happened. The way they go into the playoffs does have some bearing on how the playoffs are going to go, and especially since they're headed to a tough match-up against Philly, there should be some concern that the team is going in the wrong direction as the season is coming to a close. I think a bit of a let down was inevitable coming off a big winning streak plus the disruption of Sid coming back, but to me tonight takes it a little farther than just a small set back.

The 2010 playoffs had a post-cup hangover and a decidedly weaker defense. I don't think there's any equivalency there.

Here's a thought...if the Pens had only won half of their 11 game winning streak, they'd currently be in 6th place. Was that streak an anomaly?

Streaks House wrote:The team has had a penchant for playing down to the level of their opponent throughout most of the season. I'm pretty confident that they'll "show up" for the tougher opponents they face through the remainder of the season, just as they have done for most of the season.

Let's hope so. If they fail to show up tomorrow (regardless of the outcome) I'll REALLY be worried.